Carrie Writes ...
Impact of Teachers
Teachers are the backbone of our children's educational future. They act as role models, teaching about the world we live in and giving guidance.
During my educational experience I have had several teachers who had a great impact on my life. The first one was Isabelle Wiest, my teacher consultant during high school. She always gave me encouragement and advised me on my educational future. For example, I had just taken my ACT’s, a very long stressful three hours. After receiving a very low score, my high school counselor informed me I should just apply to community colleges because of my scores. I was devastated but Mrs. Wiest reminded me that test scores were not the only things that colleges look at on an application. She was right, I was accepted and attended Madonna University.
During high school I felt very isolated being the only multiple disabilities student with a hearing impairment. Then my hearing-impaired teacher consultant, Terry Legda, started a support group of hearing impaired students from different high schools. This group helped me realize I was not alone and different. We shared laughter, experiences and much needed support.
Also during high school my speech therapist, Jackie Collins, helped me to learn to believe in my self, look for new experiences and have fun.
All three teachers helped me to become independent and self-assured ready to face the world.
During my years at Madonna University there was one professor named, Dr Judy Dunham, the factuality advisor, for the Council Exceptional Children and head of the Learning Disabilities program. She became my mentor over the years since we shared the same belief of helping people with disabilities. She acted as an advisor helping me explore career paths and with different college projects. Today as I write, I hope I have the same positive impact on others as teachers do with their students.
Carrie Tynan.
Please email me if you have any comments, suggestions, or if you would like to meet online for a chat:
Email: carriewrites@yahoo.com
